countyscore
53.6
County Score
Safety 91.5Disaster Risk 77.5Cost of Living 76.3

County Report Card

About La Salle County, Texas

Exceeding the National Livability Benchmark

La Salle County achieves a composite score of 53.6, outperforming the national median score of 50.0. This indicates the county offers a quality of life that ranks in the upper half of the United States.

Leading the Pack in Texas

At 53.6, La Salle County significantly exceeds the Texas average composite score of 41.9. It stands out as a high-performing rural option within the state's competitive landscape.

Top-Tier Safety and School Quality

The county boasts an elite Safety Score of 91.5 and a strong School Score of 73.6. Residents also benefit from a high Risk Score of 77.5, suggesting lower vulnerability to environmental hazards.

Weakness in Health and Income

Health remains the lowest dimension with a score of 10.5, alongside a modest Income Score of 26.4. While median home values are $101,000, rental data is currently unavailable, suggesting a less transparent housing market.

Best for Families Prioritizing Security

La Salle County is a premier choice for families who value safety and quality schools above all else. Its profile suits those who can navigate a rural landscape with fewer healthcare facilities.

2040608010010.376.391.510.573.626.477.536.812.8Tax10.3Cost76.3Safety91.5Health10.5Schools73.6Income26.4Risk77.5Water36.8Weather12.853.6/100
This county
National avg
4 above average5 below average

La Salle County DNA

Foverall

How La Salle County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

La Salle County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (91.5/100) but notably weak in Weather & Climate (12.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
10.3-41.7
Cost
76.3+28.299999999999997
Safety
91.5+36.5
Health
10.5-39.5
Schools
73.6+19.599999999999994
Income
26.4-24.6
Risk
77.5+30.5
Water
36.8-21.200000000000003
Weather
12.8-43.2
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$101,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

N/A/mo

Income Needed (home)

$101,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

N/A/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $55,469/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Cass County
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Henry County
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Nearby counties

Frio County
Texas
36.3
McMullen County
Texas
53.7
Dimmit County
Texas
51.4
Atascosa County
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32.5
Zavala County
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43.8
Webb County
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27.9
Duval County
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43.3
Live Oak County
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57.8

Deep Dives

La Salle County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in La Salle County

via TaxByCounty

La Salle County taxes well above U.S. median

La Salle County's effective tax rate of 1.561% nearly doubles the national median rate of 0.84%, placing it in the upper range nationally. At a median annual tax of $1,577 on homes valued near $101,000, La Salle County residents pay considerably less than the national median of $2,690 simply because property values are much lower.

Higher-taxing county in Texas

La Salle County's effective rate of 1.561% exceeds the Texas state average of 1.276%, ranking it among the state's more tax-intensive counties. Its median annual tax of $1,577 is notably lower than the state median of $2,193 due to the county's lower median home value of $101,000.

Higher rate than most regional peers

La Salle County's 1.561% rate sits between Knox County (1.862%) and nearby counties like Lamar (0.951%) and Lamb (1.192%), making it a mid-to-high taxer regionally. Only Knox County's rate exceeds it in this cluster, though La Salle's slightly higher median home value offsets some burden.

Your typical annual property tax bill

On La Salle County's median home value of $101,000, you'll owe approximately $1,577 in annual property taxes. With mortgage escrow, that figure climbs to about $2,432 per year.

Appeal if you're overassessed

Property overassessment remains common in La Salle County, especially for homes whose values have shifted. Requesting a formal appraisal review from your county appraisal district takes minimal effort and can yield significant tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in La Salle County

via CostByCounty

La Salle County homeownership costs compared

While rental data for La Salle County is limited, homeownership costs tell a strong affordability story. At $659 monthly for mortgage payments on a median home value of $101,000, owners spend roughly 14% of the median household income ($55,469) on housing—comfortably below national affordability thresholds.

Affordable ownership in Texas

La Salle County's median home value of $101,000 is dramatically lower than many Texas counties, and monthly owner costs of $659 rank it among the state's most affordable homeownership markets. The county's income-to-housing ratio suggests strong purchasing power for buyers seeking entry-level properties.

Lower costs than surrounding counties

La Salle County's $101,000 median home value undercuts nearby Lampasas County ($236,000) and Lavaca County ($220,900) significantly. Its $659 monthly owner cost makes it particularly competitive for buyers comparing options across south-central Texas.

Ownership over renting here

With a median household income of $55,469 and median monthly owner costs of $659, La Salle County homeowners dedicate roughly 14% of income to mortgages. While rental data remains unavailable, the ownership numbers suggest strong affordability for those ready to buy.

La Salle for first-time buyers

If homeownership is your goal, La Salle County's low median home value and modest monthly costs make it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers. Explore how its $101,000 median home price compares to neighboring counties like Lampasas or Lavaca to maximize your investment.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in La Salle County

via IncomeByCounty

La Salle County significantly below national income

La Salle County's median household income of $55,469 is 26% lower than the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among the nation's lower-income counties. This gap reflects limited economic diversification in South Texas.

Lowest income among surveyed Texas counties

At $55,469, La Salle County earns 14% less than the Texas median of $64,737, ranking it in the bottom tier statewide. The county's economy centers on ranching, oil, and limited agricultural production, limiting wage growth.

Lowest earner in South Texas cluster

La Salle County's $55,469 income is the lowest among nearby counties including Kleberg ($57,612) and Lamb ($56,997). The disparity suggests La Salle faces unique economic headwinds within an already challenged region.

Limited affordability data, but housing modest

While rent-to-income data is unavailable for La Salle County, the median home value of $101,000 suggests housing remains affordable on local incomes. However, the county's very low per capita income of $16,317 indicates wealth concentration concerns.

Affordable housing enables smart financial planning

La Salle County's modest home values create an opportunity for residents to build equity without excessive debt burden. Even households earning the median income can prioritize retirement contributions and emergency funds by choosing housing aligned with 25-30% of income, rather than stretching for expensive properties.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in La Salle County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety on National Scale

La Salle County is one of the safest in America with an elite safety score of 99.8. Its total crime rate of 143.6 per 100K is roughly 16 times lower than the national average.

A Texas Safety Haven

The county easily surpasses the Texas safety average of 96.8, marking it as a top-tier safe haven. Local law enforcement manages a crime rate that is a mere fraction of the 2,052.5 state average.

Outshining Regional Safety Norms

With a violent crime rate of only 14.4 per 100K, La Salle effectively eliminates common safety concerns. Two reporting agencies provide comprehensive coverage for this exceptionally quiet South Texas area.

Minimal Crime Across All Categories

Violent crime is nearly non-existent, occurring at 14.4 per 100K compared to the 341.3 state average. Property crimes are also rare, totaling only 129.2 per 100K for the entire year.

Keep Peace of Mind High

Maintaining this high safety level starts with community awareness and simple home security measures. Even in high-safety zones, basic precautions ensure your property remains protected.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in La Salle County

via SchoolsByCounty

One District Serving the Entire County

La Salle County's education is centralized under Cotulla ISD, which operates four schools for 1,170 students. The infrastructure includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. This unified system ensures a consistent curriculum for all local children from Pre-K through graduation.

Top-Tier Graduation and Funding Rates

With a 92% graduation rate, the county outshines both the Texas average of 91.6% and the national average of 87%. Per-pupil spending is robust at $9,227, nearly $2,000 more than the state average. These factors contribute to an impressive school score of 59.4.

Cotulla ISD's Unified Educational Reach

Cotulla ISD manages every public student in the county, with Ramirez-Burks Elementary being the largest campus at 478 students. There are no charter schools in the area, keeping the focus entirely on traditional public education. The district provides a clear pipeline from its small elementary campuses to the 345-student Cotulla High School.

A Balance of Town and Country

The county features an even split between town and rural school locales, offering different environments for learning. The average school size is 293 students, making the campuses large enough for diverse activities but small enough for safety. Encinal Elementary offers the most intimate setting with just 74 students.

Strong Schools for Local Families

High graduation rates and strong per-pupil funding make Cotulla an attractive destination for families. Proximity to Ramirez-Burks Elementary is a major draw for those with young children. Discover a home in La Salle County where educational success is a top community priority.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in La Salle County

via RiskByCounty

La Salle's risk remains well below average

La Salle County's composite risk score of 22.55 places it solidly below the national average, with a "Very Low" rating. The county benefits from geographic isolation and limited exposure to the state's most severe hazards.

Low-risk profile within Texas

Scoring 22.55 against Texas's state average of 49.00, La Salle County ranks among the state's safer communities. This 55% reduction from state-level risk reflects its inland location and distance from major disaster corridors.

Safer than Kleberg, comparable to Knox

La Salle County's risk score of 22.55 falls below riskier Kleberg County (84.41) but slightly above Knox County (17.84). The county occupies a secure position within its regional context.

Wildfire and hurricane pose modest threats

Wildfire risk reaches 66.00 and hurricane risk 63.37—La Salle's two highest exposures—though both remain manageable compared to coastal counties. Tornado and flood risks (24.49 and 23.44) stay well below state averages.

Standard coverage protects most residents

Basic homeowners insurance provides solid protection for La Salle County residents, though property owners in scrubland areas should maintain defensible perimeters against wildfire. Most residents avoid the need for specialized flood or hurricane coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in La Salle County

via WaterByCounty

F Grade Despite Low Violation Totals

La Salle County holds an F grade for drinking water compliance, reporting three health violations over five years. At 41.2 per 100,000 residents, the county's violation rate is much lower than the state average of 581.9.

Watershed Impairment Data Currently Missing

Water bodies in La Salle County are not yet covered in the federal §303(d) assessment database. There is currently no federal data identifying specific impaired segments or top causes of impairment for this county.

Minimal Water Monitoring Footprint

The federal Water Quality Portal contains only 182 results from two sites over the last five years. Most measurements track physical, organic, and inorganic characteristic groups.

Zero Flow Recorded on the Nueces River

The Nueces River at Cotulla currently reports 0 cfs, a complete drop from its long-term mean of 211 cfs. This zero-flow state signals critical water scarcity for the primary watershed.

Resource Security a Priority in Dry Conditions

With the Nueces River dry and a failing compliance grade, source water security is a primary concern. Residents should monitor local utility updates closely for changes in water quality or availability.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in La Salle County

via WeatherByCounty

La Salle County's Desert Intensity

La Salle County is intensely hot, averaging 72.0°F annually against a much lower national median. It is a dry region, seeing only 23.1 inches of rain.

Hotter than the Texas Norm

At 72.0°F, it is much hotter than the 65.5°F state average. It ranks as one of the warmest counties in the South Texas brush country.

High Heat Count for the Region

La Salle endures 157 days of extreme heat, far more than Kinney’s 118. It is also drier than Kleberg County, receiving nearly 4 fewer inches of rain.

Endless Heat and Minimal Rain

July is sweltering at 86.3°F, contributing to 157 days over 90°F. Winters are brief and mild at 56.5°F, with only a trace of snow at 0.1 inches.

Extreme Heat and Water Management

Extreme heat management is the priority for more than five months of the year. Residents should invest in heavy-duty cooling and water conservation for the 23.1-inch rainfall limit.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in La Salle County

via SoilByCounty

Sweet Soils of the Brush Country

La Salle County features a pH of 7.48, making it more alkaline than the 6.5 national median. The county's soil score of 29.9 is slightly higher than the state average of 28.8.

Fine Textures with High Clay Content

The soil composition includes 44.4% sand and a significant 30.5% clay. This mix makes the soil heavy and harder to work when wet, but it excels at holding onto vital plant nutrients.

Strong Organic Matter Levels for South Texas

With 1.70% organic matter, La Salle stays above the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity is also high at 0.141 in/in, offering a good reservoir for plants during dry spells.

Managing Slow-Draining Hydrologic Group D

Falling into hydrologic group D, these soils drain slowly and can pose challenges for building foundations. The high clay content means water moves through the profile at a sluggish pace.

Long Growing Seasons in Zone 9a

The warm 9a hardiness zone supports a wide variety of semi-tropical and drought-hardy plants. Residents should focus on native species that thrive in the county's naturally alkaline environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in La Salle County

via LawnByCounty

Extreme Difficulty in South Texas Heat

La Salle County earns a low lawn difficulty score of 16.5, making it one of the toughest places in the country to maintain turf. This is nearly half as easy as the Texas state average and well below the national baseline of 50.0. The harsh combination of heat and aridity defines the landscape here in zone 9a.

The Most Extreme Heat in the State

Residents face a staggering 157 extreme heat days annually, far surpassing the Texas average of 105 days. Annual precipitation is only 23.1 inches, which is significantly lower than the 30-50 inches required for most lawns. This climate demands a highly specialized approach to irrigation and species selection.

Alkaline Earth and Heavy Clay Content

The soil pH sits at 7.48, meaning it is more alkaline than the 6.0-7.0 range grass prefers. With 30.5% clay and 44.4% sand, the soil can become very hard and compacted during dry spells. Regular aeration is necessary to ensure water and oxygen reach the root zone through the heavy clay.

A Year-Round Struggle with Drought

La Salle County has spent 53 weeks in drought over the last year, meaning conditions haven't broken for over twelve months. Currently, 100% of the county is in severe drought, making water conservation the top priority for any gardener. Consider xeriscaping or using ultra-drought-tolerant native grasses to cope with these permanent dry conditions.

Drought-Hardy Turf for Zone 9a

Buffalo grass and specialized Bermuda hybrids are the only viable options for surviving 157 days of extreme heat. With a very early final frost on March 3, the growing season starts quickly, but the window for planting is narrow. Get your seeds in the ground by mid-March to ensure they survive the punishing summer sun.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is La Salle County's county score?
La Salle County, Texas has a composite county score of 53.6 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does La Salle County rank among counties in Texas?
La Salle County ranks #43 among all counties in Texas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in La Salle County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in La Salle County is $1,577, with an effective tax rate of 1.56%. This earns La Salle County a tax score of 10.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in La Salle County?
The median household income in La Salle County, Texas is $55,469 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. La Salle County earns an income score of 26.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is La Salle County, Texas a good place to live?
La Salle County scores 53.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in Texas. The best way to evaluate La Salle County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare La Salle County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.